The Bloom Girls by Amy Pine

Fans of Gilmore Girls or other mother-daughter stories will enjoy The Bloom Girls by Amy Pine. It is a charming story of second chances with many funny moments.  I simply adored it.

Plot Summary

Gabi Bloom is on a solo trip of a lifetime when she meets fellow American Ethan on her first day in Ireland.  There is an immediate attraction, and by the time Gabi moves on to her next destination, the romance has blossomed.  At the end of Gabi’s two months abroad, Ethan decides to return home with her and proposes marriage.  Gabi enthusiastically accepts.

Alissa is Gabi’s Mom and has recently opened her own bakery.  She’s raised Gabi as a single parent after becoming pregnant in high school.  Matt, Gabi’s father, has spent most of Gabi’s life travelling the world.  That’s not to say he hasn’t been a good father – when he’s been in town he’s been an attentive one.  Now that Gabi is home and has announced her engagement, Alissa can’t find the right moment to tell her close-knit family her news – she is pregnant again and Matt is the father.

Book Review

I fell in love with this book right from reading the synopsis. There is something very special about a mother-daughter bond and stories of this relationship bring me joy.  The author does a great job of describing Gabi and Alissa’s relationship from the beginning.  It is one made up of traditions such as watching old movies together every Saturday night, and deep respect.  Alissa is proud of Gabi and her accomplishments and will do what she needs to to make Gabi’s wedding day special.  This includes keeping her secret from Gabi until it is the right moment to share it.

The relationship between Alissa and Matt has been complicated.  They truly are the love of each other’s life.  Alissa didn’t want to tie Matt down in their earlier years and set him free to explore the world as she was raising Gabi.  Matt is ready to settle down and stay in their hometown even before Alissa announces her pregnancy to him.  Alissa, however, has trust issues- Matt has returned home several times only to leave again.  I appreciated watching this couple’s journey to redefining their relationship.

The book’s theme is living life to its fullest but recognizing that a life without a partner may be too big a compromise.  It is one of second chances and personal growth.  I loved the Jewish elements in this story and the supporting characters in this wonderful book.

Audiobook Review:

I also listened to the audiobook version of The Bloom Girls which was narrated by Barrie Kreinik, Caitlin Davies and Fred Berman.  Their voices were expressive and easy to listen to.  I appreciate when audiobooks are performed by a cast of narrators which seems to bring a more authentic feel to the book.  I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of this book to those who appreciate this format.

What I Liked About The Bloom Girls:

• The intergenerational aspects of the book which provides many humorous moments
• The second chance romance trope (always a favourite of mine)
• The attention given to the personal growth experienced by the main characters

I Recommend This Book To:

Those readers who appreciate charming mother-daughter stories full of romance and family love.

My Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Add The Bloom Girls to your Goodreads shelf

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the finished copy of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here. I would also like to thank Hachette Audio and Netgalley for the audiobook version of this book.  The Bloom Girls publishes on August 3.

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

The Summer Sisters by Sara Richardson

Summer by the Sea by Jenny Hale

You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry

Thank you for reading and supporting my blog.  Do you like mother-daughter stories?  Let me know in the comments.  As always, I hope that you have a wonderful day.